Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Ice Fishing Basics

• No ice is safe ice!  Ice thickness varies across a lake.  Avoid areas where there is flow (feeder streams and springs) or in-water obstructions (bridges pilings, docks, and dam structures), since ice is usually thinner around these objects.
• Always fish with a partner or in an area where several other anglers are present.
• Let others know exactly where you are going and when you plan to return.
• Place a cell phone in a plastic bag to protect it from moisture in case you get wet.
• Always take along a throw cushion or wear a personal flotation device in case of immersion.

If You Fall into the Water

• Remain calm!
• Slip off loose boots to better tread water.
• Use ice awls to pull yourself out of the water.
• If no ice awls are available, call for help and try “swimming out” by letting your body rise up to firm ice and crawl out.
• Stay flat, distributing your weight on the ice.
• Keep your clothes on once out of the water.  This will keep you insulated.
• If someone else falls in, REACH (stick or fishing pole), THROW (rope or flotation device), ROW (row or push a boat), and GO (call for help).